CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

The mission of Central's Children’s Ministry is to impact children, their parents and our volunteers. We want children to hear the message of Christ’s unconditional love and to guide them to grow into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to nurture parents of these children to understand and live out their role as Christian parents. We want to love, encourage and equip our volunteers so they experience growth in their relationship with God as a result of their service.

How do we do this?

--By providing a safe environment where children feel physically, emotionally and spiritually secure. --Through building relationships with the children through play --By making the Bible come alive through drama, music and hands-on activities --Through interactive learning that is creative, age-appropriate and fun! --By providing the opportunity for children, and the adults that work with them, to grow in their relationships with Jesus Christ and others.

We take the question of your child’s safety seriously at Central. That’s why our volunteers have to not only feel a calling to share the Good News of Jesus with children, but go through a rigorous review process as well. Volunteers must: 1) attend for 6 months prior to serving, 2) submit a written application, 3) be interviewed in person by our staff, 4) go through a background check for a criminal record and child abuse, and 5) submit references from two non-related people. In Children’s Ministry programs no adult serves alone, regardless of the size of the class.

Though the activities may vary, we offer a year-round program. We do this not only as a ministry to children, but also so parents may nourish their own spiritual growth by attending worship and adult education offerings on Sunday morning.

INFANTS and TODDLERS -- NURSERY CARE:

The Nursery is open through all 3 services, from 8:15-12:45. There are separate nurseries for infants and toddlers. Your children are cared for by staff and trained volunteers who are committed to building relationships through play. Our focus is on caring for your children, so that parents may worship, serve and rest. Vibrating pagers are provided to parents with children inthe nursery so we may contact you if your child needs you. A teaching time is offered for our toddlers which includes a very short Bible story, a song, and a coloring page.For families who want their children to have an education time, there are options at 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30.

VISITING:

We invite you to come explore what Children’s Ministry has to offer on Sunday mornings. On your 1st visit we will ask you to complete a simple registration form at the check-in desk on the lower level in the Children’s area. Any other questions or concerns please contact Anne Nielsen, Director of Children’s Ministry at Anne@centralpc.org.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS:

In addition to our Sunday morning offerings Children’s Ministry sponsors several special programs and events throughout the year for children and their families. Parenting programs, fun family events like our annual hayride, special educational offerings like Communion education and Vacation Bible School further serve to nourish the faith journeys of our children and families.

STAFF:

Anne Nielsen, Director of Children’s Ministry, Anne@centralpc.org

Julie Gaking – Elementary Coordinator

Ann Hutson – Early Childhood Coordinator

Ruthie Turnbaugh-- Nursery

Amy Davidson – Administrative Coordiantor for Family Ministries, adavidson@centralpc.org

SOME RESOURCES:

• Parent Handbook For Scripture Memory
  A great resource for parents who would like to help their children learn to memorize scripture.